Life, laughter and family chaos come to Blackfriars Theatre this February

placeholder image — Living the life of Riley on stage.

Blackfriars Theatre & Arts Centre, known locally for its mix of lively entertainment and touring drama, welcomes the nationally acclaimed stage play Living the Life of Riley on Saturday, 21st February.

The production combines sharp comedy with moments of real emotional weight, telling the story of an ordinary family navigating everyday life after their youngest son is diagnosed with autism – all delivered with warmth, humour and a strong sense of reality.

Set within one of the town’s oldest buildings, Blackfriars has built a reputation for presenting shows that feel close to the audience, where performances are immediate, engaging and often spark conversation long after the final scene.

Written by Alison Stanley and Leah Bell, Living the Life of Riley is rooted in lived experience rather than theory. Stanley appears in the cast alongside Bell, Paul Dunn and EastEnders actor Cheryl Ferguson.

EastEnders actor Cheryl Ferguson in Living the Life of Riley

Stanley’s autistic son Jay also performs in the production, adding authenticity and insight, while Katie Price appears in an on-screen role introducing the show.

Audiences around the UK have responded strongly to the production, praising its balance of humour and honesty. Many describe laughing and crying in equal measure, with the play’s recognisable family moments proving just as impactful as its more serious themes.

For anyone looking for a night out that mixes big laughs with moments that genuinely land, Living the Life of Riley offers a smart, entertaining piece of theatre with plenty to enjoy and plenty to recognise.

Living the Life of Riley